Dealing With Aggression and Alzheimer’s Disease

May 31, 2017 •

It is common for people with Alzheimer’s disease to exhibit aggressive behavior. These may occur unexpectedly and may be verbal or physical. It is important to determine what’s causing such behavior to prevent them from happening. Aggression from patients can be frustrating for loved ones and caregivers, but you should understand that the patient is not behaving such ways on purpose.

What Causes Aggression?

Different factors can cause aggression like physical discomfort. Memory care experts in Las Vegas note that a person may become aggressive because of their hunger or pain from illness. Poor communication may also contribute to negative behavior, especially if their inability to interact with others causes fear, anxiety, and loneliness. This is true if you give complicated instructions or ask too many questions all at the same time.

Environmental factors like loud noises and new surroundings can also cause patients to react differently. This may happen when they are surrounded by unfamiliar people or are dealing with an overactive environment. It is best to keep in mind that some individuals with the illness feel and function better during a particular time of the day. Consider this time when doing activities or making appointments.

Tips for Responding to Aggression:

Try to determine the cause of the behavior. Think of the things that have happened before, or the situations that have caused them to exhibit aggression.

Be calm and don’t get mad. While such negative behavior can be frustrating to deal with, don’t debate with or scold them. Try to be reassuring and always speak in a calm tone.<

Mind their feelings. Always consider the patient’s feelings, instead of focusing on facts and other specific information. Understand the emotions behind their physical or verbal aggression.

Soothe the patient. Encourage them to do a relaxing activity, or use other things that can calm the person. You can also turn the focus to another activity if you think the current situation is causing an aggressive response.

Focus on safety. It is important that you and your loved one are safe. It is best to seek help if the person cannot calm down.

The disease can cause behavioral changes that can make care more difficult. It is advisable to be more understanding and get support from the right people.